UNGA Highlights Urgent Need for Global Climate Action Through Early Warnings for All Initiative

WMO’s Secretary-General emphasized the importance of collaboration among various sectors to enhance early warning systems.

The opening days of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) have underscored the imperative for global action to combat climate change and the rising frequency of extreme weather events. A focal point of this year’s discussions is the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) Initiative, spearheaded by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which aims to protect every individual on the planet from hazardous weather through life-saving early warning systems by 2027.

Advancing Early Warning Systems

While progress has been noted in regions like Chad and the Caribbean, WMO highlighted critical gaps, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). These gaps arise mainly from insufficient funding, lack of coordination, and technological challenges. The organization emphasized that global cooperation and increased investment are essential to achieve the ambitious goals of the EW4All Initiative.

WMO Secretary-General Prof. Celeste Saulo participated in the opening ceremony of New York Climate Week on September 22, where she joined a high-level panel that included climate leaders from Norway and Ireland, along with private sector representatives. Prof. Saulo stressed the necessity of early warning systems in mitigating climate change impacts, asserting that 2024 is expected to be one of the hottest years on record. She noted the staggering potential economic losses due to climate inaction, projected to exceed USD 1,266 trillion by 2100.

Pact for the Future

In a significant development, the UN General Assembly adopted the "Pact for the Future," a landmark declaration reaffirming member states' commitment to sustainable development, peace, and enhanced global governance. This Pact aligns closely with WMO’s vision for a safer world and includes a commitment to deliver early warnings for all, ensuring universal access to multi-hazard early warning systems by 2027.

Commitment to Global Climate Action

As UNGA discussions progress, WMO is committed to spearheading global efforts to improve early warning systems. A high-level event on September 23 at the SDG Futures Lounge provided a platform for international stakeholders to exchange insights on integrating early warning systems into national policies and financing strategies. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized the urgency of this initiative, stating, "Early warnings for all is not just a goal, but a necessity." He called for collaboration between technology, communication, and community to create a safer, more resilient world.

Selwin Hart, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Climate Action and Just Transition, echoed this sentiment: "One life lost is too many."

Gathering Collective Efforts

WMO’s Secretary-General emphasized the importance of collaboration among various sectors to enhance early warning systems. "Hazards are occurring everywhere, but needs are different," she stated, noting the critical demand for capacity development, meteorological data, and educational initiatives.

Key outcomes from WMO’s engagement in these discussions include a call for system-wide financing to scale up early warning systems. Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), remarked on the necessity for commitment at national, sub-national, and local levels to achieve the EW4All goals.

Utilizing Technology for Faster Responses

Sulyna Abdullah, Special Advisor at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), highlighted the opportunity presented by the widespread availability of mobile phones, noting that 95% of the global population has access to one. She urged stakeholders to leverage this technology to disseminate critical information more efficiently before, during, and after disasters.

Jagan Chapagan, CEO of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), concluded the event with a sobering message: "Despite all the progress that we have seen, there is a huge disconnect between some of the innovation that has been made and the communities where they matter." He emphasized the need for national government leadership and adequate financing to achieve the 2027 targets.

Moving Forward Together

With a clear roadmap established, WMO calls on all nations to enhance their commitment to delivering effective climate solutions. By fostering collaboration, innovative financing, and continued investment in meteorological systems, the global community can work towards a safer and more resilient future for all.